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For shame, RWA!
Feb. 4th, 2012 08:20 pmMost of you folks already know that the RWI (Romance Writers Ink, a chapter of the Romance Writers of 
America) have excluded the depiction of same-sex couples from its "More Than Magic" contest. There have been a number of eloquent blog posts about this. Here's one: RWA Shouldn’t Be in the Business of Discrimination, by Heidi Cullinan
I'm struck by the near-simultaneity of this decision and the recent actions of the Susan B. Komen Foundation in pulling their funding from Planned Parenthood. Both are blatant attacks against groups of people (LGBTQI and poor women) who are exploited, discriminated against, and disempowered. The Komen Foundation reversed its position (whether they did so gracefully is another issue entirely). It is to be hoped that the RWI will do the same.
Meanwhile, what is to be done about a publishing environment in which an entire population of readers and writers can be summarily excluded (supposedly because some of the judges might be "uncomfortable" with queer characters and situation)? I'd say Get new judges. Queer folk have been bombarded with straight love stories ad infinitum -- where is it written that straight folk cannot appreciate a queer love story? If romance has an element of allowing us to vicariously experience an amazing relationship, to struggle against obstacles and glory in a happy ending, don't we all deserve that? Why should some of us have to settle for never reading about characters like us? How about the principle that good writing is good writing?
Should we hold our own contest?
Boycott this one?
Support and publicize works that include loving and yes, lusty relationships between queer characters?
As an established writer, I am not eligible, nor have I the least interest in entering the MTM contest. (One reason I would never do so is that they charge an entry fee, thus violating the principle that money flows to the author.
Meanwhile, any suggestions for the sweetest, most heart-meltingly wonderful queer love story? Let's talk about what works for our hearts, as well as um, parts lower down.
The illustration is by Peter Behrens (1868–1940), c. 1898.
America) have excluded the depiction of same-sex couples from its "More Than Magic" contest. There have been a number of eloquent blog posts about this. Here's one: RWA Shouldn’t Be in the Business of Discrimination, by Heidi CullinanI'm struck by the near-simultaneity of this decision and the recent actions of the Susan B. Komen Foundation in pulling their funding from Planned Parenthood. Both are blatant attacks against groups of people (LGBTQI and poor women) who are exploited, discriminated against, and disempowered. The Komen Foundation reversed its position (whether they did so gracefully is another issue entirely). It is to be hoped that the RWI will do the same.
Meanwhile, what is to be done about a publishing environment in which an entire population of readers and writers can be summarily excluded (supposedly because some of the judges might be "uncomfortable" with queer characters and situation)? I'd say Get new judges. Queer folk have been bombarded with straight love stories ad infinitum -- where is it written that straight folk cannot appreciate a queer love story? If romance has an element of allowing us to vicariously experience an amazing relationship, to struggle against obstacles and glory in a happy ending, don't we all deserve that? Why should some of us have to settle for never reading about characters like us? How about the principle that good writing is good writing?
Should we hold our own contest?
Boycott this one?
Support and publicize works that include loving and yes, lusty relationships between queer characters?
As an established writer, I am not eligible, nor have I the least interest in entering the MTM contest. (One reason I would never do so is that they charge an entry fee, thus violating the principle that money flows to the author.
Meanwhile, any suggestions for the sweetest, most heart-meltingly wonderful queer love story? Let's talk about what works for our hearts, as well as um, parts lower down.
The illustration is by Peter Behrens (1868–1940), c. 1898.
